Qatar Airways’ first super jumbo Airbus A380, which the national airline is set to take delivery in 2014, will be flown to a European destination.
While the airline confirmed the first route will be a European destination, it said the exact city will be confirmed at a later date.
Qatar Airways’ first A380 is one step closer to joining the airline’s fleet, as the aircraft was ferried from Toulouse to Hamburg during a test flight last week.
The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, is one of 13 on order by Qatar Airways.
The aircraft will be fitted in a three-class configuration with seats in first, business and economy.
The airline’s original order of eight A380 aircraft was made at the Dubai Air Show in January 2004, and then nearly doubled with an order for an additional five aircraft at the Dubai Airshow in 2010.
Qatar Airways’ future home, the Hamad International Airport, scheduled to open in the beginning of 2014, has been specially designed to cater to the A380, with some six contact gates designed with specifications required for the super jumbo.
In addition, the maintenance hangar at HIA – which will be the largest in the world – is able to accommodate two of A380s simultaneously.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar al-Baker said the airline was pleased to see the progress being made on its first A380.
“It is thrilling to see the A380 painted in Qatar Airways colours on display during its test flight from Toulouse to Hamburg. We have been awaiting the delivery of our first A380, and are delighted to soon operate passenger services with this fantastic aircraft.
“Our mission is to provide our passengers the best – whether it is comfort, cuisine, the most expansive route network, or the best connectivity. By introducing the A380 to our ever expanding young and modern fleet, we are keeping to our commitment of ensuring that our passengers have the best possible experience when travelling with Qatar Airways,” al-Baker added.
The airline has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of some 129 aircraft to 130 key business and leisure destinations worldwide.